The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is reportedly considering revising its Dietary Guidelines regarding alcohol consumption, potentially loosening the long-standing recommendations. This possible change, first reported by Reuters, comes amid increasing research highlighting the health risks associated with even moderate alcohol intake, particularly the increased risk of various cancers.
Since 1990, the U.S. Dietary Guidelines have advised men to limit their alcohol consumption to two drinks per day, while women have been advised to limit their intake to one drink per day. These guidelines are reviewed and updated every five years, with the last update occurring in 2020. Sources familiar with the matter suggest the upcoming guidelines might simply encourage moderation, a change that could still be adjusted before the official release.
Alcohol and Cancer: A Growing Concern
The National Cancer Institute has linked alcohol consumption to an elevated risk of several types of cancer, including cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon. This connection has fueled concerns among health professionals regarding the potential impact of relaxed alcohol consumption guidelines.
Expert Reaction: A Missed Opportunity?
Dr. Silvia Balbo, a researcher at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and the Masonic Cancer Center, expressed concerns about the potential change, calling it a “missed opportunity” to educate the public about the risks of alcohol. She emphasizes the public's need for clear guidance on what constitutes moderate drinking. Dr. Balbo suggests expanding upon the existing guidelines rather than abandoning them altogether to provide more comprehensive information and promote responsible alcohol consumption.
The HHS has not yet issued an official statement. The potential revision to the Dietary Guidelines has sparked debate about the balance between personal choice and public health, particularly given the well-documented link between alcohol and cancer risk.